Welcome

Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, part of Central Appalachia, have long been associated with poor health. Underlying the most common medical health challenges in the region is obesity. Coupled with an aging population, obesity poses serious threats to a vibrant future in the region.

Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Appalachia is a community collaborative aimed at creating a multi-faceted approach to address the levels of obesity in the region. As a result of a thorough Community Needs Assessment, Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) and East Tennessee State University (ETSU), along with regional community partners, developed the collaborative committee targeting obesity.

The goal of Heal Appalachia is to reduce obesity in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia through healthy eating and
active living.

HEAL Appalachia exists to support the mission and vision of other community organizations and empower the region to combat obesity. We all play an important role in improving the health of our region. Individual and family efforts combined with the communities in which we learn, work heal and worship, provide the framework and context by which HEAL Appalachia can impact the healthy eating, active living lifestyle of our residents.